consumer tech industry

Apple has announced its first-ever foldable iPhone, priced starting at $1,999. The launch marks the company's entry into the foldable smartphone market, long dominated by rivals like Samsung. Coverage so far is limited to the headline announcement, with details on release dates, design and availability not yet confirmed. Tech commentators are expected to scrutinize the pricing and Apple's take on the foldable form factor.

The tech industry is racing to build AI-powered shopping bots that browse and buy for consumers, but The Register reports the technology is still years away from working reliably. Companies are promoting automated personal shoppers as the next big e-commerce shift, while real-world performance remains limited and adoption stays minimal.

3D printing and precision-fit technology that has reshaped the sneaker market is now being applied to work boots. Manufacturers are adapting the same digital fitting and cushioning innovations used in athletic footwear to make protective work boots more comfortable for people who spend long hours on their feet. The move signals a broader push to bring everyday consumer tech into industrial and occupational gear.

The US Federal Trade Commission has opened investigations into OpenAI and Anthropic, two of the leading artificial intelligence companies, to examine potential risks their products may pose to consumers. The inquiries are part of a broader regulatory scrutiny of the fast-growing AI industry, and follow increasing pressure on governments worldwide to assess safety, accuracy and privacy concerns around AI tools.